Top Cheerleading Gear Picks and Where to Buy Them in the US

Why the right cheerleading gear matters

Ever tried to tumble in shoes that slide or perform a routine with a uniform that restricts your jumps? The right cheerleading gear makes the difference between looking good and feeling unstoppable. Gear affects comfort, safety, and performance — and yes, confidence. Whether you're a beginner on the sideline or a competitive athlete striving for nationals, the pieces you choose matter as much as the practice you put in.

Quick overview: must-have cheer items

Before diving into stores and shopping tips, let’s map the essentials: a properly fitting uniform, supportive cheer shoes, bows and hair accessories, pom-poms, warmups, practice wear (like compression shorts and tops), and a small emergency kit. For teams and gyms, mats, cones, and portable tumbling aids round out the toolkit. Think of these as your toolbox — each piece plays a specific role to help you perform safely and confidently.

Top stores for cheer uniforms: where to buy custom and ready-to-wear

When it comes to uniforms, you’ll want choices: custom designs for team identity and ready-made options for last-minute needs. Varsity Spirit is one of the most recognized names in team uniforms and offers custom kits designed for competitive programs. For those looking for both variety and competitive pricing, national sporting retailers like Dick’s Sporting Goods and Academy Sports + Outdoors often carry ready-to-wear options suitable for sideline squads and recreational teams.

How to choose between custom and off-the-rack uniforms

Custom uniforms let teams coordinate fabric, embellishments, and fit — ideal for competitive programs. Off-the-rack uniforms are budget-friendly and quick. Choose custom if brand identity and fit are top priorities; choose off-the-rack when speed and cost matter. Always check size charts, and remember that adult and youth sizing differ significantly — measure chest, waist, and height in inches and compare to the manufacturer’s guide.

Best places to buy cheer shoes: performance and fit matter most

Cheer shoes are a specialized category. Brands like Nfinity and Varsity offer shoes designed for stunting, tumbling, and grip. If you prefer a broader selection and customer reviews, Zappos and Amazon are great marketplaces with generous return windows. For in-person fitting, national sporting stores like Dick’s Sporting Goods and Academy can be lifesavers — you can try different brands and widths to find the perfect feel.

Choosing the right cheer shoe

Focus on fit, sole grip, and weight. A good cheer shoe should feel snug but not tight, allow natural toe movement, and have a non-marking sole that grips mats. Most competitive cheerleaders choose shoes that are light — typically under one pound per shoe — and designed with reinforced heel support. If you have high arches or wider feet, try models with extra arch support or wider fittings and always test by jumping and pivoting in the store if possible.

Bows, hair accessories, and personalization — where to shop

For bows, bling, and small accessories, Etsy is a goldmine for custom, handcrafted options. You’ll find unique styles, team colors matched to custom pantone codes, and detailed embellishments. Amazon and Target also carry pre-made bows and hair accessories for quick purchases or budget-friendly backups. If your team wants uniform, ordering from a single supplier that can match fabrics and rhinestone patterns helps maintain a cohesive look.

DIY and custom bow tips

Want to DIY? Start with sturdy grosgrain ribbon at least 2.5 inches wide for visible bows, and secure with a hot-glue center and a metal alligator clip. For custom orders, request photos of finished pieces and inquire about clip types — elastic bands are comfy, but alligator clips hold better during tumbling. Always store bows flat to preserve shape.

Pom-poms, megaphones, and sideline gear: where to find reliable equipment

Pom-poms and megaphones are staples for sideline squads. Academy Sports, Walmart, and Amazon offer a broad selection of pom sizes — commonly 5 to 6 inches in diameter for youth, and up to 8 to 10 inches for sideline impact. Cheer-specific retailers carry premium hand-grip pom-poms and sparkly metallic options for visual flair. For megaphones, look for lightweight plastic models under 2 pounds for easy carrying during long games.

Selecting pom-pom size and material

Material affects movement: metallic strands create more flash but can be heavier, while vinyl/nylon options are lighter and often quieter. Choose smaller-sized pom-poms for planned choreography requiring quick movements and larger sizes for crowd-pleasing sideline visuals. Measure by strand length in inches — a common choice for high-energy routines is 6 to 7 inches per strand.

Practice wear and warmups: practical buys from sports retailers

Practice gear should prioritize breathability and motion. Athleisure brands stocked at Dick’s Sporting Goods, Target, and Nike offer compression shorts, breathable tanks, and sweat-wicking fabric designed for movement. For team warmups, look for jackets and pants with stretch panels and lightweight insulation — ideal for outdoor events where temperatures can change quickly. Buying from mainstream sports retailers gives you sizing consistency and return options when things don’t fit right.

Material and layering tips

Choose fabrics labeled moisture-wicking or performance polyester for practice tops. Compression shorts should be snug and about mid-thigh in length — usually 3 to 5 inches inseam for teens. Layering is key: lightweight outer layers that zip off or roll up help maintain muscle warmth between routines without overheating.

Budget-friendly options: how to save without sacrificing quality

Not every family can splurge on custom uniforms and premium shoes. Retailers like Walmart, Target, and Amazon have affordable basics suitable for sideline squads or beginners. Look for clearance sections and off-season sales at Dick’s and Academy, and check manufacturer outlet sales at times like back-to-school or end-of-season clearances. Buying team gear in bulk often unlocks discounts, so coordinate with teammates when possible.

Smart saving strategies

Buy durable items that last — a slightly pricier pair of shoes that lasts two seasons is cheaper in the long run than replacing cheap ones every few months. Use coupon codes, bundle purchases, and consider secondhand gear for practice-only items. Check marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace for gently used uniforms or warmups, but avoid secondhand shoes for hygiene reasons.

Competitive cheer vs. sideline cheer: choosing gear for your discipline

Competitive cheer and sideline cheer have different demands. Competitive cheer needs lightweight, breathable, and flexible gear designed for high-impact tumbling and stunting. Look for competition-grade fabrics and reinforced stitching. Sideline cheer focuses more on visibility and durability for outdoor events — thicker warmups and larger pom-poms often make sense here. Knowing your discipline helps narrow down store choices and features to prioritize when shopping.

Age and safety considerations

Youth athletes benefit from gear designed for smaller frames and lower-impact needs. Always select shoes and gear rated for your athlete’s weight and age. For tumbling mats and portable equipment, thickness is crucial: beginner mats are commonly 1.5 to 2 inches thick, while competition-grade mats may be 4 to 6 inches; choose based on skill level and available space.

Care and maintenance: keep gear competition-ready

Keeping uniforms, shoes, and bows in top form prolongs their life and saves money. For uniforms with sequins and hot-fix rhinestones, hand washing in cold water or gentle machine cycles inside a laundry bag prevents damage. Shoes should be spot-cleaned after each use and air-dried away from direct heat. Store bows flat and pom-poms fluffed in breathable bags to avoid crushing.

Repair tips and quick fixes

Stitch loose seams as soon as you see them and carry a small emergency sewing kit with needles, extra thread in team colors, and safety pins. For lost rhinestones, keep a small stash of replacement gems and fabric glue for last-minute touch-ups. A mini hot-glue gun in your team kit can rescue broken bow centers and small attachments before a performance.

Packing list for competition day: what to bring from home

Being prepared reduces stress. Pack an emergency kit with spare hair ties, bobby pins, a small sewing kit, clear nail polish for small snags, extra shoe laces, and athletic tape. Bring a refillable water bottle and electrolyte packets, snacks like granola bars, and a portable first aid kit with ice packs. For aesthetics, bring lint rollers, stain remover wipes, and a compact mirror to do final checks before going on stage.

Day-of timing and prep checklist

Arrive early to warm up properly and check gear in natural light for missing stones or loose stitching. Keep shoes in a ventilated bag until the last minute to avoid slipping dust onto uniform fabrics. Make a quick pre-performance checklist on your phone to run through hair, makeup, uniform, shoes, and props — consistency removes last-minute panic.

Where to buy specialty and team bulk items

For team-wide purchases like custom uniforms or matched warmups, use specialty suppliers who handle group orders and offer consistent color matching. Varsity Spirit is well-regarded for full team packages, while smaller boutique suppliers can produce lower-quantity custom runs. For bulk basics like warmups and practice shorts, national retailers offer sizing consistency and easier returns when replacements are needed.

Negotiating team discounts

Ask suppliers for quotes on bulk orders and check for seasonal promotions. Many specialty uniform makers will waive custom setup fees or offer free shipping for large orders. Collectively buying practice gear or warmups through a single retailer can also simplify sizing exchanges and deliveries.

Final tips for smarter cheer shopping

Measure carefully, read reviews, and compare sizing charts — don’t assume the same size fits across brands. Trial periods and return policies matter, so check them before investing in expensive custom pieces. Keep an eye on clearance windows, and plan purchases off-season when prices often drop. Finally, invest in quality essentials like shoes and compression gear; they deliver the best return in performance and durability.

Choosing the right cheer gear and knowing where to buy it can transform practice and performance. From national sporting outlets to specialty uniform makers and craft marketplaces for custom bows, you have options at every price point. Prioritize fit, safety, and durability, and your gear will support your goals on the mat and on the sidelines.